Nothing quite accentuates the splendor of a tropical paradise like taking the time to see and learn about its native wildlife denizens. This is especially true in the Gulf Shores area, where miles of pristine, sandy beaches and tropical forests give rise to habitats fit for some of the most gorgeous creatures along the Gulf of Mexico. Continue reading on below to find out more information about where to go in Gulf Shores to see the most spectacular displays of local Gulf Shores wildlife!

The Best Places to Go Alabama Wildlife Watching

First and foremost, no Gulf Shores wildlife watching list is complete without mentioning Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Stretching out over the course of 6,700 acres, Bon Secour was first established as a way to protect migratory birds, sea turtles, and endangered creatures, such as the Alabama beach mouse by providing them with a safe home. Over 100,000 people visit this refuge annually.

Dolphin cruises out of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach provide boat riders with the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, including how they interact with one another and with visiting boats. On these cruises, you can even catch one of the twenty species of whales and dolphins that live here, and one species of manatee.

Each year, the Gulf Shores experiences the awesome beauty of the monarch butterfly migration, when monarch butterflies fly south for the winter during September and October, and make their return trip in March and April. The journey, which takes them through the Gulf Shores area, spans a total of 3,000 miles and exposes visitors and locals alike to a spectacular array of color as the butterflies fill the sky and the forests.

The Gulf Shores are home to four different ecosystems with incredible biodiversity. Over 4,500 species make their home here, with 144 found only in the state of Alabama and 100 more that are rare on a global scale.

Finally, the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is perfect for bird watching, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo gives visitors the chance to see animals up-close in a hands-on setting.

Your Gulf Shores Adventure Begins with Harris Properties!

Contact our reservation specialists to learn more about these Gulf Shores wildlife watching locales and other intriguing attractions and activities that you can enjoy during your time in Gulf Shores when you reserve your vacation accommodations in one of the elite vacation rental properties available today through Harris Properties!